Saturday, February 17, 2018

Big Picture Science for February 19, 2018 - Quantum: Why We Want 'Em

ENCORE: Einstein thought that quantum mechanics might
be the end of physics, and most scientists felt sure it would never be
useful. Today, everything from cell phones to LED lighting is completely
dependent on the weird behavior described by quantum mechanics.

But the story
continues. Quantum computers may be millions of times faster than your
laptop, and applying them to big data could be transformational for biology and
health. Quantum entanglement – “spooky” action at a distance – may not
allow faster-than-light communication, but could be important in other
ways. And there’s even the suggestion that quantum mechanics defines the
difference between life and death.

Quantum physics.
It’s weird and exotic. But it’s how the universe works.

Guests:

Seth
Lloyd – Professor of
Mechanical Engineering and Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology